Over again

Chapter V

"Come in, Aaliya."
"Thanks. So this is your office."
"No, Aaliya. This is our office. The truth is, I am not happy to share it with you, but I don't have many choices. Your stuff is there. You have all day to arrange it. I'll get food and coffee. See you later."
"Thanks."
Aaliya slowly pulled out the things she needed. She brought with her a laptop, a few photos, a little souvenir form Paris, mini Eiffel Tower, snow ball. She stared around the room. This room needed at least one plant here. Orchids would really fit here. This place seemed tender and strong just like orchids. She had a lot of plans for this year. Tour of Mumbai and meet with relatives the first two months. The rest... the pursuit of justice.
Zain was sitting in the cafeteria more than two hours. He couldn't go to the office and watch her as she occupied that place. Long time he didn't want anyone to go back there. He knew one day someone will come and take that precious place. But this was too early. Still haunted by the past, he may never be able to forget. He still wore the burder of guilt, although everyone convinced him he was the least guilty. And now there is a new person for whom he's responsible.
Aaliya found him in cafeteria:
"Hey. Is the seat next to you free?"
He looked up and looked at her hazel eyes. He noticed that there is no make-up. She was completely natural and her natural beauty was breathtaking. When she laughed her eyes would be almost closed.
"OK. Stop thinking about her. Focus on an answer."- berated himself in thoughts.
"No it's not. The seat next to me is not free. Across from me it is."
She didn't say anything. She set down at another table with her coffee and sandwiches. He turned to her:
"What are you doing?"-he asked
"Sitting, eating and drinking coffee."-she said as she took another bit.
"No. I mean what are you doing there?"
"I answered you already."
"Please, come and sit here."
"You just said it's not free."
"Seat next to me is not free. But across from me at the same table is. Now, please, come and sit here."
"OK. Fine. No need to be angry. I get it."
"What you get? You don't even know me."
"True that. But I perceive well. Very well. Better than other people."
"Why are you here, Aaliya? Why did you leave your town and parents?"-he asked frustrated.
"Lunch is over."-she answered shortly.
"OK. Sorry. Am I asking something wrong?"
"No. But year is long. Do you want to know everything about me at the outset?"-she laughed and winked.
"Well, hell. This girl has that certain something. They were right."-he thought as he watched her leave.